According to Saturday’s report in the Telegraph, Arsenal’s bid to sign Alexandre Lacazette has been boosted after Lyon boss Hubert Fournier admitted the striker could leave this summer.

Aside from signing goalkeeper Petr Cech, the Gunners have so far been quiet this summer, with a number of supporters keen for the club to make some extra additions.

A defensive midfielder has long been mooted as a possibility, whereas Premier League observers feel an improvement on striker Olivier Giroud would bring them much closer to next season’s title.

Acquiring a top class forward, however, won’t come easy, or cheap, although Lyon boss Fournier has opened the door to a potential Lacazette deal, saying: “He is still under contract and the club is the decision maker. At no time have I felt a request to leave from him. Things can still change. It is early July. The sooner it is resolved, the better it will be for everyone."

Team

Goals

Assists

Shots per Game

Key Passes per Game

Take-ons per Game

Accurate Passes per Game

Tackles per Game

Appearances

Olivier Giroud

Arsenal

14

3

2.59

1.07

0.26

19.15

0.74

27

Aleksander Lacazette

Lyon

27

6

2.9

1.6

2

27.4

0.8

33

But would the 24-year-old fall in line with the quality signings which Arsene Wenger has spoken about this summer? Well, as per the table above, he certainly compares favourably against Giroud.

The France international hit 27 goals last season, 13 more than his French compatriot in North London, while the Lyon man also contributed with more assists.

Going forward, Lacazette averaged more shots, key passes and successful dribbles per league encounter last season as he took the French top-flight by storm.

Moreover, the talented striker offers plenty in a number of other key attacking categories, such as linking-up well with his teammates and defending from the front, illustrated by his solid average number of tackles.

From a statistic standpoint, Lyon’s top scorer would represent a fine option for the Gunners this summer and considering his age, one that Arsene Wenger should seriously consider.

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.